Need some options for my Failing Cluster Gauges

[BigTex]

Over the last few flights, my factor guage cluster is starting to act up... one time, it's the oil temp and the next flight it's the ammeter. I'd like to go with the EDM 930 but don't have the panel space. So I'm looking at other options. I see that for my '65 C model Mooney offers a retrofit kit (PN: 940030-507). It uses the Sigma-Tek 169CL cluster. Is there anyone out three that's done this retrofit?

[lamont337]

This was discussed in a recent thread:

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.php?/topic/5638-engine-gages/

I think the part mentioned was from Mitchell Instruments.

Good Luck,

Brian

[BigTex]

Thanks Brian... Saw that thread but it looked like it Sabremech created that Mitchell cluster on his own and it looked like there was some STC/337 issues with what he was doing. I'm "assuming" that if I purchase the retrofit kit (using Sigma-Tek 169CL guages) from Mooney directly I would avoid some of the STC/337 issues that might be facing Sabremech.

[Sabremech]

Hi Gary, I'd be happy to share with you the parts that I purchased. I will be installing them using a 337 and field approval. I was going to wait until my annual, but if it helps other owners like yourself to have a reasonable cost option, I'll install it now and share a copy of my 337. I'm also thinking of taking it to the next level and get an STC for this install. Don't believe all the horror stories that field approvals are gone, quite the opposite if you know how to communicate effectively and proactively with the FAA.

This is a complete cluster available through Mitchell Instruments that are all FAA/PMA parts.

[Bolter]

I am not sure on the C model, but odd gauge behavior can sometimes be a ground problem. A Mooney owner once lost oil pressure, made a rapid turn around to the runway at night, and in the panic, forgot his gear. The rub was that the oil pressure was fine, just a bad ground on the gauge.

There may be as single post on the firewall, on the engine side, that is the ground point for several things. If corroded, you can see gauge issues. My A&P or I make sure it is clean and reliable when the cowling comes off.

-dan

[jlunseth]

You should look at the 900. Also can be STC'd as primary and it is smaller than the 930. Fairly new. The old gauges would go, so there would be panel space.

[jdrake]

+1 on checking the ground.

The ships gauges on my J were acting up and simply cleaning the ground solved the problem.

[mcbuzz]

Another option is the Insite G3. STCed primary and I have been pretty happy with it.

I think it is about 2 AMUs cheaper than the 930 as well and has a bunch of neat guages.

[BigTex]

The EDM 900 is really a sweat... All I need is 6 AMU's

[BigTex]

I talked to a local avionics shop and obtained a quote. It looks like we're talking $10K ( $5500 for the EDM900, $4200 labor and $300 misc parts) to swap out my primary instruments with the EDM-900. Does this seem like a fair price?

[1964-M20E]

Well $4,200 at $75/hr is 56 hours of labor. I assume you are getting the fuel level option as well since you are removing the cluster gauges. Removing the existing gauge cluster, wiring and sensors installing temp 4 CHT, 4 EGT and press sensors, new shunt, new wiring. There is no panel work since it will slip in where the original RPM and MP/FP gauges went and it comes with a prewired harness though that can be misleading to some extent.

So I would guess about 10 hours to remove the existing gauges, sensors and wiring that would leave 40 hours to do the install and 6 hours of setup and paperwork. This sounds close but maybe a little high. Is this a fixed price or T&M (time and material)? If it is fixed price and he is not going to nickel and dime you it might not be too bad.

Oh you can also put your RPM and MP/FP gauges up for sale and reclaim a few $.

Sounds like you really want the JPI and looking for a reason to justify it. They are nice and if it helps you fly LOP and save fuel while flying it can help you recover some of its cost.

[BigTex]

I'm not that I'm sold on JPI but I'm looking to replace my old digital EGT and my primary engine cluster is starting to fail. So my options on what's been STC'd to replace them is pretty limited.

[1964-M20E]

To get rid of the stock fuel guages you need to go to the JPI or one of those all other have some other method you can use.

[OldGlassMan]

  On 9/13/2012 at 2:16 PM, jdrake said:

+1 on checking the ground.

The ships gauges on my J were acting up and simply cleaning the ground solved the problem.

Another bump for the ground check. All of mine cleaned up, except of course the fuel gauges, which are still like they always were.

[DonMuncy]

Another bump for the ground check. All of mine cleaned up, except of course the fuel gauges, which are still like they always were.

Over the years the terminals tend to corrode . Before I did anything else, I would take off all the terminals and clean them.

[M20F-1968]

For anyone that needs a replacement set of vintage Mooney engine gauges, I have a nice working original engine gauge cluster from a low time 1967 F model (removed for 201 panel installation) and a set of J model gauges (removed when the airplane was parted out rather than sold. You can e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com for pictures if you like or call me at (617) 877-0025.

Thanks,

John Breda